Who Can Apply for Ethiopian eVisa?
Complete guide to eVisa eligibility for Ethiopia
The Ethiopian eVisa system is available to citizens of over 200 countries worldwide, making it one of the most accessible visa programs in Africa. If you're planning to visit Ethiopia for tourism, business, or transit purposes, it's essential to verify whether your nationality qualifies for the electronic visa application.
The eVisa program was introduced by the Ethiopian government to simplify the visa application process and make the country more accessible to international travelers. Instead of visiting an embassy or consulate, eligible travelers can complete the entire application process online from anywhere in the world.
Understanding eligibility is the first step in your travel planning. The list of eligible countries is regularly updated, so it's important to check the current status before booking your trip to Ethiopia.
Complete List of Eligible Countries
Countries whose citizens can apply for Ethiopian eVisa
Global eVisa Coverage
The Ethiopian eVisa is available to nationals from most countries across all continents. Below is a comprehensive list of eligible countries organized by region:
Important Note: While this list includes the majority of eligible countries, it's always recommended to verify your specific eligibility on the eVisa application portal before making travel arrangements.
Citizens from the following regions are generally eligible:
- North America
- South America
- Europe (including EU and non-EU countries)
- Asia and Pacific
- Africa
- Middle East
- Oceania
Eligible Countries by Region
North America
Eligible countries include: United States, Canada, Mexico
South America
Eligible countries include: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, and other South American nations
Europe
All EU member states are eligible, including:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Non-EU European countries eligible include: United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Serbia, Albania, and others
Asia
Eligible countries include: China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and many other Asian nations
Middle East
Eligible countries include: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon
Africa
Most African countries are eligible, including: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and others
Special Cases:
- Djibouti: Citizens can enter Ethiopia visa-free for up to 90 days
- Kenya: Citizens can enter Ethiopia visa-free for up to one year
Oceania
Eligible countries include: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and other Pacific nations
Note: This list is subject to change. Always verify your country's current eligibility status before applying. If your country is not listed, you may need to apply for a visa through an Ethiopian embassy or consulate.
Visa-Free Entry to Ethiopia
Special arrangements for certain nationalities
Entry Type: Visa-free
Duration: Up to 90 days
Purpose: Tourism, business, and family visits
Citizens of Djibouti do not need to apply for an eVisa or any other type of visa to enter Ethiopia. They can stay for up to 90 days without any visa requirements.
Entry Type: Visa-free
Duration: Up to one year
Purpose: Tourism, business, and family visits
Kenyan nationals enjoy special privileges and can enter Ethiopia without a visa for stays of up to one full year, making it one of the most generous visa policies in the region.
How to Verify Your Eligibility
Step-by-Step Verification Process
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Check Your Passport Nationality
Make sure you know your passport's issuing country. Your eligibility is based on your passport nationality, not your country of residence or birth. -
Review the Eligible Countries List
Compare your passport nationality with the comprehensive list provided above. Most countries are eligible for the Ethiopian eVisa. -
Verify Passport Validity
Even if your country is eligible, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry. Check our passport requirements guide for details. -
Start Your Application
Once you've confirmed eligibility, you can proceed with the online application. The process is straightforward and typically takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
Not Eligible for eVisa?
If your country is not on the eligible list, you'll need to apply for a traditional visa at an Ethiopian embassy or consulate. Alternatively, some nationalities may be eligible for visa on arrival at Bole International Airport, though this is subject to change.
Important Considerations for Eligible Travelers
Dual Citizenship
If you hold multiple passports, you can choose which one to use for your eVisa application. However, you must enter Ethiopia using the same passport that was used for the eVisa application.
It's important to note that once you've applied with a specific passport, you cannot switch to a different passport for entry, even if both countries are eligible for eVisa.
Recent Changes to Eligibility
The Ethiopian government periodically reviews and updates the list of eligible countries. Recent additions to the eVisa program have expanded access to travelers from additional nations.
Always check the most current information before applying, as policies can change based on diplomatic relations and bilateral agreements.
Special Categories of Travelers
Refugees and Stateless Persons: If you hold a refugee travel document or are stateless, eVisa eligibility depends on the issuing country of your travel document. Contact the Ethiopian immigration authorities for clarification.
Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders: While many countries have separate arrangements for diplomatic passport holders, most are still required to obtain some form of visa. Check with the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for specific requirements.
Minors: Children and minors from eligible countries must also apply for their own eVisa. Parents or guardians complete the application on their behalf. Visit our eVisa for minors guide for detailed information.
Next Steps: Applying for Your eVisa
Once you've confirmed that your country is eligible for the Ethiopian eVisa, you can proceed with your application. The online system is designed to be user-friendly and accessible 24/7.
What You'll Need to Apply
- Valid Passport: From an eligible country with at least 6 months validity
- Digital Passport Photo: Meeting specific requirements - see our photo requirements guide
- Payment Method: Credit or debit card for visa fee payment - check accepted payment methods
- Email Address: To receive your eVisa approval
- Travel Information: Approximate dates and purpose of visit
Processing Time
The standard processing time for Ethiopian eVisa applications is 3-5 business days. However, we recommend applying at least 7-10 days before your intended travel date. Learn more about eVisa processing times.
Application Fee
The government fee for an Ethiopian eVisa varies depending on the type and duration:
- 30-day tourist eVisa: $52 USD
- 90-day tourist eVisa: $72 USD
- 30-day business eVisa: $52 USD
- 90-day business eVisa: $72 USD
For complete fee information, visit our eVisa fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eligibility
If your country is not eligible for the eVisa, you will need to apply for a traditional visa through an Ethiopian embassy or consulate in your country or region. Some nationalities may also be eligible for visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, though this option is limited and subject to change.
Yes, eligibility is based on your passport nationality, not your country of residence. You can apply for an Ethiopian eVisa from anywhere in the world as long as your passport is from an eligible country. The online application system is accessible globally.
Yes, each traveler, including children and infants, must have their own eVisa to enter Ethiopia. Parents or legal guardians should complete the application on behalf of minors. The fee structure is the same regardless of age. For more details, check our guide for applying for minors.
The Ethiopian government reviews the eligible countries list periodically based on diplomatic relations and international agreements. While major changes are rare, it's always recommended to verify your country's current eligibility status before booking travel or applying for the eVisa.
Transit requirements depend on your nationality and the duration of your layover. If you plan to leave the airport during your transit, you will generally need an eVisa regardless of the duration. For detailed transit information, visit our transit visa guide.
Ready to Apply for Your Ethiopian eVisa?
Confirm your eligibility and start your application today
Now that you've confirmed your country is eligible for the Ethiopian eVisa, you can proceed with your online application. The process is quick, secure, and can be completed in just a few minutes.
Apply for Ethiopian eVisa Now
Need Assistance? Our support team is here to help:
Email: support@evisa.express |
Phone: +44 2031 293 603